Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 26:1-2, Now the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding in the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” 2 Then Saul arose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph.
What possible reason would the Ziphites have for instigating this trouble in David’s life? The passage does not tell us. Nonetheless, whether to find themselves in favor with Saul or to just cause trouble for David, the Ziphites decided that this is what they would do. As we watch this event unfold, we learn many things about God and the Christian life. As followers of Jesus, we must not deceive ourselves into thinking that it will always be smooth sailing. The fact of the matter is that in this life we will have troubles. Jesus promised that in John 16:33. But in that same verse He promised that we can be overcomers in Him. Even Jesus’ Disciples found themselves in the midst of a storm while Jesus was in the boat with them (Mark 4:35-41). The fact of the matter is that there will times when troubles will come of our own making, by the choices we make, and other times it will just be because we live in a fallen world and that are troublemakers in the world. The Lord will not always choose to shield us from those troubles, but He does promise not to forsake us no matter how intense the trial gets. In Hebrews 13 He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Instead, He uses those times of trouble to help us grow our faith and become more like our Savior in response to those trials. David had already shown Saul that he was loyal to him by sparing his life once before. Although Saul went his way, and stopped pursuing David, it did not take much to put him back on that path once again. However, we will see that even though Saul pursues David with three thousand chosen men, his attempts on his life are futile because there was not an army big enough that he could gather that was bigger than God or that could circumvent God’s plan for David. Knowing this, we can find reassurance in knowing that no one can stop God’s plan for our lives, not even us. God will have His way sooner or later. Romans 16:17-18 tells us what to do when we encounter troublemakers, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Whether we like it or not, even within Christian circles, there will be those who insist on causing division for their own gain. Some will cause difficulties in our lives because they thrive off the drama and gossip. In the world, especially, we will encounter those who will want to gain favor in order to gain status or a more lucrative position, and will do whatever it takes to get there; even lying about us and causing others to see us in a bad light. When this happens, we should not be surprised. 1 Peter 4:12-13 clearly states, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” In all this new trouble that David is about to encounter the one thing he can count on, the one constant, is that God will see Him through it. He does not hinder Saul from coming and pursuing David, but instead uses it as an opportunity, once again, to prove to Saul that he will not bring any harm to David as long as He is protecting him, and at the same time proves to David that Saul and his army are not threat to him and the plan God has for his life as the future king of Israel. Even though the armies of Satan come after us, we have nothing to worry about. Isaiah 54:17 tells us, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the LORD.” When we begin to fold under the pressure of the world’s troubles and its troublemakers, remember Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in whom I will trust; my Shield and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold.”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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